the debt ceiling crisis was the nadear of the obama administration. he had come to washington to unify the city and yet he couldn't get republicans and democrats to sit down and agree to a common sense agreement. he has the chance to do that now. there is a developing consensus to raise taxes in washington. that is so rare, it hasn't happened in decades. for the president, i think he has to make good on that opportunity. >> right. and you think the time is now. >> i just don't see how going -- first of all, more importantly going over the fiscal cliff could hurt a lot of americans. but i think it could also hurt the president. >> eamon, javers, i want to say thank you very much for joining us today. >> thank you. >> after the break, who is pulling the strings? we will look at the key players in the budget negotiations, to famous polls and some of the people behind the scenes. and are some republicans ready to cut ties? we'll discuss next on "now." having you ship my gifts couldn't be easier. well, having a ton of locations doesn't hurt. and a santa to